What Is Working at Height? Safe Working Rules and Required Equipment
What Is Working at Height?
Working at height refers to any work activity carried out in areas where there is a risk of falling from an elevated level. Working at height is common across many industries, including construction, power plants, roof maintenance, and telecommunications.
Because working at height is one of the areas where serious workplace accidents can occur, it is essential to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and take the necessary safety precautions before starting work.
The goal of working at height is not simply to complete the task, but to ensure the highest possible level of worker safety throughout the operation.
Why Is Working at Height Dangerous?
Falls from height are among the workplace hazards that can result in the most serious injuries and fatalities.
The main factors that create risks include:
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Failure to use appropriate safety equipment
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Improper anchorage points
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Choosing the wrong safety harness
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Lack of adequate training
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Slippery surfaces
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Adverse weather conditions
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Unplanned work
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Using poorly maintained equipment
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Incorrect connection systems
These risks can be reduced through proper equipment selection and the implementation of safe working procedures.
Essential Equipment Used for Working at Height
A safe working-at-height system consists of equipment that works together as an integrated fall protection system.
The main equipment includes:
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EN 361 Full Body Safety Harness
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EN 355 Energy-Absorbing Lanyard
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EN 362 Connectors and Carabiners
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EN 795 Anchorage Systems
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EN 360 Retractable Type Fall Arresters
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Lifeline Systems
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Protective Safety Helmet
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Slip-Resistant Safety Footwear
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Protective Gloves
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Suitable Work Ropes
All equipment must be selected according to the specific working conditions and intended application.
Basic Rules for Safe Working at Height
A Risk Assessment Must Be Conducted
Before work begins, hazards in the working area should be identified and the necessary preventive measures should be implemented.
The Right Equipment Must Be Used
All equipment used should comply with the applicable European standards and be suitable for the intended application.
Trained Personnel Should Perform the Work
Workers performing tasks at height should have the necessary training, knowledge, and competence to carry out the work safely.
Anchorage Points Must Be Checked
Anchorage systems used for connecting fall protection equipment must be reliable, suitable for the application, and have an appropriate load-bearing capacity.
Equipment Must Be Inspected
Before every work activity, safety harnesses, connectors, lanyards, and other fall protection equipment should be carefully inspected for signs of damage, wear, or deterioration.
Which Industries Involve Working at Height?
Working at height is required in many different industries, including:
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Construction
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Power generation facilities
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Electricity distribution
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Telecommunications
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Roofing applications
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Solar energy systems
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Wind power plants
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Industrial maintenance
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Ports
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Shipyards
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Warehouses and logistics centers
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Steel construction projects
Why Is a Safety Harness Important?
A full body safety harness is a fundamental component of a personal fall arrest system.
Safety harnesses that comply with the EN 361 standard:
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Help support the body safely during a fall.
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Help distribute fall arrest forces across the body.
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Support the safe operation of a fall arrest system.
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Help reduce the risk of serious injury.
A safety harness should always be used as part of a properly designed fall protection system and not as a standalone solution.
The Importance of Lifeline Systems
Lifeline systems are designed to help workers remain securely connected while moving within a designated working area.
Key advantages include:
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Providing continuous connection to the fall protection system
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Supporting greater freedom of movement
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Creating a safer working environment
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Helping reduce the risk of falls
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Improving efficiency across large working areas
The appropriate lifeline system should be selected according to the structure, working environment, and specific requirements of the job.
Periodic Inspection of Working-at-Height Equipment
Personal protective equipment should be inspected regularly to ensure that it remains safe and suitable for use.
The main equipment that should be inspected includes:
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Safety harnesses
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Lanyards
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Connectors and carabiners
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Anchorage systems
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Lifeline systems
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Retractable type fall arresters
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Safety helmets
Damaged, worn, or defective equipment must never be used.
Common Mistakes Made by Workers
Some of the most common mistakes encountered during working-at-height activities include:
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Not wearing a safety harness
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Connecting to an unsuitable anchorage point
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Failing to properly lock a carabiner or connector
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Using damaged equipment
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Starting work without appropriate training
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Ignoring weather conditions
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Neglecting periodic equipment inspections
These mistakes can lead to serious workplace accidents and potentially life-threatening falls.
Conclusion
Working at height is a high-risk activity that requires careful planning, appropriate training, and the correct use of fall protection equipment.
To create a safe working environment, equipment such as an EN 361 full body safety harness, EN 355 energy-absorbing lanyard, EN 362 connectors, EN 795 anchorage systems, and other suitable personal protective equipment should be selected and used as part of an appropriate fall protection system.
Proper equipment selection, regular inspection and maintenance, risk assessment, and worker training all play an important role in preventing workplace accidents and reducing the risks associated with working at height.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is working at height?
Working at height refers to work activities carried out at elevated levels where there is a risk of falling and where specific safety measures are required.
What equipment should be used when working at height?
Depending on the nature of the work, appropriate equipment may include a full body safety harness, lanyard, connectors, anchorage systems, lifeline systems, and other suitable personal protective equipment.
Is a safety harness sufficient on its own?
No. For an effective fall protection system, a safety harness must be used with suitable anchorage, connecting equipment, and an appropriate fall arrest system.
How often should working-at-height equipment be inspected?
Equipment should be visually inspected before each use. Periodic inspections should also be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable regulations.
Can someone work at height without training?
Working at height should not be performed without the necessary training, competence, and appropriate safety measures.
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